Norwegian Cruise Ship Stuck In San Juan, Flies Guests Home

Guests on board the Norwegian Jade had their cruise come to a premature end Sunday night thanks to technical difficulties which left the ship stuck in San Juan, Puerto Rico, while passengers were disembarked and flown home.

What Norwegian Told Guests

photo: Norwegian

Passengers on the ship received a letter from Captain Frank Juliussen, updating them on the situation. “As you may have heard during my announcement earlier,” it began, “Norwegian Jade is experiencing a mechanical issue. While this issues does not effect the safety of the ship, it will prevent us from sailing our scheduled itinerary.”

His note continued: “As a result, we will remain alongside in Puerto Rico through Tuesday, November 20th, when all guests will be required to debark as the ship will undergo several days of repairs.”

Given that the ship’s original itinerary saw it returning to Miami, this created a bit of a problem for passengers. “We are currently working on securing charter flights from San Juan to Miami,” the captain’s note explained, “and we will provide you with additional details as soon as possible. If you are able to make your own flight arrangements, we will pay up to $650 in change fees. Please do notify guest services if you make any changes. We have opened up the phone and internet lines to allow you to modify your arrangements.”

How NCL Is Making It Up To Guests

After apologizing for the inconvenience, Captain Juliussen, on behalf of the company, made it clear that passengers would be well compensated. “As a goodwill gesture,” he wrote, “Norwegian Cruise Line will refund your cruise as well as extend credit for a future cruise based on the cruise fare paid. Our team members at Guest Services are available to answer your questions, but please know that we will provide you with additional details as they become available.”

The Jade was three days into a 10-night cruise out of Miami which had departed on November 16th. Her original itinerary had her sailing next to St. Thomas before visiting St. Kitts, Barbados, St. Lucia and St. Maarten before heading back to Miami on November 26th.

No details were available regarding the type of technical difficulties the Jade was dealing with, how long the company expected them to take or whether the ship’s next sailing would be impacted.